Connecticut Wire Manufacturer Adds Rooftop Solar

Kingspan Energy, a subsidiary of Ireland-based Kingspan Group, has completed a rooftop solar project for Ulbrich Shaped Wire, a division of Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, in North Haven, Conn.

Kingspan says it installed over 500 Hanwha 72-cell 330W solar panels on Ulbrich’s existing warehouse, along with four Solectria inverters and a Polar PRR racking system. The building’s conversion to solar power is expected to produce immediate benefits in terms of energy conservation, generating an output of 197,780 kWh.

According to Kingspan, large-scale rooftop PV installations are an ideal commercial investment, particularly when companies can find the up-front capital. In Ulbrich’s case, the company received Class 1 zero renewable energy credits (ZREC) under Connecticut’s Low & Zero Emissions Renewable Energy Credit Program. The ZRECs will generate nearly $20,000 in revenue to Ulbrich annually for 15 years.

“What’s especially interesting about this application is that the metal that is produced by Ulbrich is used in the modules themselves, making this a highly collaborative project,”according to Gavin Blower, Kingspan Energy general manager. “We’re working closely with our partners and customers to help facilitate more LED retrofits and solar photovoltaic installations than ever before, helping businesses across the country realize benefits of reduced energy costs and increased energy security.”

Ulbrich CEO Chris Ulbrich adds, “Our deep respect for the environment was really the driving force behind the decision to upgrade to a rooftop solar system and is just one more way we are striving to adhere to sustainable business practices as we serve our customers around the world.”